The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ official draw on 22 October in Auckland was a glittering spectacle, with some of the world’s biggest names in football. The real question was, which teams would play in Dunedin?

The final draw and kick-off times are confirmed as:

• 5pm, Friday, 21 July, Philippines vs Switzerland
• 7.30pm, Sunday, 23 July, Netherlands vs Group A Playoff Winner 
• 5pm, Wednesday, 26 July, Japan vs Costa Rica
• 12pm, Friday, 28 July, Argentina vs South Africa
• 7pm, Sunday, 30 July, Football Ferns vs Switzerland 
• 7pm, Tuesday, 1 August, Vietnam vs Netherlands.

Following the draw, Dunedin enjoyed hosting team delegations from Netherlands, Switzerland, Philippines, Japan, and Vietnam during their visits to Dunedin’s stadium, hotels, base camp, and training sites.

Tournament mascot, Tazuni™, a little blue penguin with a passion for football, popped up at the draw, but her real moment in the sun was the official launch held in Ōtepoti Dunedin on 1 November, visiting Blue Penguins Pukekura for an educational piece for children’s TV, then taking part in some fun football activity with local players, FIFA New Zealand and Australia Chief Executive Dave Beeche, Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich, and other guests and media.

Single match passes are now available to purchase and ticket sales are flying out the door, with tickets already purchased from over 100 countries, and some matches already sold out. Avoid disappointment – don’t delay getting yours at Ticketing (fifa.com).

Over 450 volunteers are needed for the Dunedin matches alone, with several roles available and some great Adidas kit for all volunteers. Volunteers are also being sought for the playoff tournament in Hamilton and Auckland in February 2023. Volunteer applications are now open at FIFA Login > FIFA Community.